Abstract
Solar cells are photoelectric conversion devices that constitute an attractive source of clean energy. Organic thin-film solar cells are expected to be the next-generation solar cells. Plasmonic nanoparticles such as gold and silver nanoparticles absorb light, thus generating a localized strong electric field in their vicinity. Such electromagnetic fields can excite photoactive molecules and substrates. For photoelectric conversion, plasmonic nanoparticles are used as the concentrators of light energy in the fabrication of an efficient photoenergy conversion system. Indeed, the photocurrents obtained from various molecule-based photoelectric conversion devices were enhanced by the use of plasmonic nanoparticles. Enhanced performances of organic thin-film solar cells with plasmonic nanoparticles have recently been investigated intensively. This paper gives an overview of as well as reviews some recent developments in this field;it also discusses some important issues regarding plasmonic organic solar cells.
